Reason Foundation

Illinois Gov Intrigued by Bad Idea

Just weeks away from a primary election, [Gov. Rod Blagojevich] will propose a five-year "Preschool for All" initiative that recommends spending an additional $135 million in the first three years. It is one of several marquee programs Blagojevich has rolled out as the election draws near, raising questions from critics about where the money will come from.
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"The whole idea behind funding education is to make sure we help our kids learn, and the evidence is very persuasive that if we invest in early education, children will learn better," the governor told the Tribune.

And the benefits of preschool will carry them all the way through the spring of first grade. Maybe all the way to third grade.
Shikha Dalmia and Lisa Snell break it all down here.
More on the Illinois plan here.